Duff fit for Irish return

Fulham winger Damien Duff has rejoined the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of Wednesday night's World Cup qualifier against Montenegro.

The 30-year-old watched on at Croke Park as his team came within a whisker of beating Group Eight leaders Italy.

The Irish eventually had to settle for a 2-2 draw - a result that guarantees them a play-off spot.

Duff resumed training with his international team-mates in Malahide this morning after sitting out the game with the Italians due to a calf injury.

Manager Giovanni Trapattoni said: "Damien Duff is with us and he said to me the injury has gone."

The draw for the play-offs will take place next Monday with France, Portugal, Russia and Greece looking likely to be the four seeded teams against which the Republic could be drawn.